Progressive Revival

Jimmy Carter Calls it Racism

I have been noticing a racial tinge to the health care reform protests. But after seeing the sea of angry white faces holding signs with Obama as an African Witch Doctor, and other signs commenting about his Muslim heritage, I have to agree with President Carter that there is an element of racism and xenophobia within the current opposition to our President.

This is certainly not to say that everyone who opposes health care reform is racist. There are honest people out there who for other reasons could oppose the reform efforts, but there is an anger and a rhetoric of hate towards the President that exceeds any normal response that the heath care debate should illicit.

Contrary to what they keep yelling about, there have been no major tax increases, and none planned for the middle class, our debt has increased but that is basically the result of the Bush years and the financial disaster. All the things that the Tea Party are yelling about have no grounding in reality. This disconnect, combined with an attempt to portray Obama as not-American (birther movement), the current angry mob is emitting a weirdness that is hard to pinpoint or understand. I agree with President Carter that this opposition movement is displaying a deeply held, yet perhaps unconscious racial distrust of the president. What else would lead a white man from South Carolina to feel he has the right to yell down the sitting president of the United States who is African American? This racial weirdness plus the rhetoric of right-wing radio, has led to a 400% increase on the threats on the President’s life. Let’s tone the rhetoric down people.

In this incident with Congressman Joe Wilson speaking out of turn and Jimmy Carter trying to play the race card by stating it’s about racism in America.
As God is my witness folks get this through your heads, the Elitists are working hard to play this as the race card! In effort to get us taring at each other’s throats – divide and conquer!
No, this thing with President Barack Obama has nothing to do with race, many of us have grown up with all kinds of races outside our front and back doors – that is America and we have for quite some time been able to see the quality in all races! We have been best friends with people of other races and cultures in our day to day lives!
The thing that causes Americans to dislike and not trust or respect President Obama is his Fascist, Marxist style of politics along with his habitual habit of lieing! From the day Americans are born we were taught to dislike any form of communism or oppression of society! Now we have it practicing it’s politics in our own back yard!
Not something that will fly in the “Land of the Free and Home of the Brave!”
Charlie Sheen is offering a Live debate on the “Larry King”, show with any Government Rep or Reps in lieu with his 20 questions that he has requested sensible answers for from President Barack Obama!
Charlie has had no takers for the debate challenge so what does that tell us? 911 WAS AN INSIDE JOB!http://www.infowars.com

“The thing that causes Americans to dislike and not trust or respect President Obama is his Fascist, Marxist style of politics along with his habitual habit of lieing!” -PR
The cause is the easily influenced right wing fringe who believes such crap. These folks have no skill at reasoning, thus cannot be reasoned with. A case in point is the belief that 9-11 was an inside job. Some folks believe this despite there being no evidence to support it, and most significantly, evidence to the contrary. Some folks just believe what they want to believe, and ignore any test in reality. We evolved humans (elitists, I guess) who have developed skill at reasoning and managing emotions are the one’s capable of moving our species forward into the future.

Civility in our highest offices of government has to be maintained Minette. In 122 years no House Representative has accused the President of the U.S. of being a liar. Character must be maintained in our House and Senate. It wasn’t yelled at him in a hall, in cafeteria, on the street, it was a Congressional Presidential Speech to the Nation. Haven’t you ever had an office in H.S., College where certain manners had to be observed?

I have to say, as someone who grew up in the Carolinas… when I saw Sen. Wilson’s comment I had to cringe. There was something in his tone, his body language, that made it almost impossible not to follow up “You lie” with “…boy!” in my mind. It may have been unintentional, but racism does not need intention in order to be racism. But this was a man using a tone I have heard by many white Southerners toward black southerners when their concerns or arguments were below noticing.
Fwiw, I noticed this seeing the speech on TV and it was my first thought. Before I heard from commentators, etc.

Toning down the rhetoric would be a great start for all parties. I absolutely despise the comments that Jimmy Carter (former President) made about racism referring to the tea party goers. I can understand that yes a small number of them may be racists as these people came from all corners of this great nation, however to label them all racists!!!
I am one of those tea party members, I did participate this last weekend in our local rally and the one underlying truth is that the majority of the people I came in contact with simple don’t trust the Federal Government to take on another program that they will obviously not be able to run efficiently.
These people came from all walks of life; they were White, Black, Brown, Republican, Independent and even some democrats. In the crowd maybe even some racists, but not the majority. I am a Constitutional Moderate not right or left. I believe in small Federal Government and State Sovereignty. I’m also a retired member of the US Navy where I served 22 years. During which time I experience national health care first hand in Wales United Kingdom, where yes the service was adequate, but poorly underfunded and rationed.
I will be the first to say we need health care reform in this country, but let’s start with the obvious
1. Remove the laws which were enacted by Congress and the Senate which restrict interstate purchase of health insurance. This will allow free enterprise to flourish, competition will grow and prices will go down making health care much more affordable for all.
2. Stop the insurance and pharmaceutical lobbyists’ In Washington; our representative must only represent us.
3. Restrict bogus law suits, if a law suit is found to have no merit loser pays, and though medical malpractice does happen from time to time settlements need to fit reasonable damages.
4. Put together good legislation which stops insurance companies from denying or dropping coverage for any reason, with the exception of obvious miss use.
5. Allow small companies to form insurance coops this will also lower the cost of insurance making it much more available.
A second issue you talked about the debt increase stating that it was a leftover from George Bush (former President) well I would like to set that record straight, yes Bush was the President but the majority of Congress and the Senate were the same as now sitting with a Democratic majority. The same lack of checks and balance as is present. Facts Being Facts.
The truth is we have the right to disagree and the ignorant in this country still have the right to be heard; however, common sense must prevail. I call to all Americans to please tone down the rhetoric and if you don’t truly know the facts, educate yourselves before you get into the fight, right, left or center.
Lastly if congress has the nerve to continue passing any legislation without even reading the bills presented, WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (their employers) must take them out of office by whatever means required.
I AM NOT A RACIST I BELIEVE IN FREEDOM FOR ALL AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.

That should really be a no brainer to figure out. The reason people are so upset with Obama is not his race, because he isn’t just one race. It’s his politics. He seems determined to have it “his way” whether we like it or not. Not to say that there are no racists in the USA because of course there are. But the majority of those marching on Washington are angry that their voices are not being heard, not because they are racists.
Why, when one disagrees with Mr. Obama and the left is the label, racist, bandied? When did those who disagree become bad people? And why does the healthcare plan have to be jammed through without debate from both sides? Why now? One would almost think that Mr. Obama wants this plan before the next election so he can sew up his next term. What about what’s right for the country? Doesn’t that have any bearing on Washington anymore? Maybe this is why people are angry. I know it’s why I am.

Come on Paul……… Whites helped elect Obama and put him in the Presidency. This has absolutely nothing to do with race. Our country was more than ready for a President of color, but not Obama. He was not qualified and his circle of friends were not America friendly. He made his bed. People are questioning him because of his actions. He is not what he pretended to be. People wanted a black president and didn’t care who he was,they voted for anyone.
People have a right to express their beliefs and America is not on the same page as Obama who like it or not wants socialized medicine. I thank God that people have stood up for what they believe is wrong.
The tea parties, the protests at town hall meetings….etc, all good. If the shoe were on the other foot, do you think the Democrats would sit back and be supportive of a president they disagreed with? The Democratic Party hunted Bush down, they hated him, and went after him with a vengeance. Now they say that Republicans are racist because they are simply standing up for the truth?
About Obamas spending………..http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/
Just more money out of our pockets……zilch going to the military.
Carter is not a patriot, his comments in the past have been nothing short of treasonous. He is an embarrassment to our country. He is trying to make up for the miserable years we had with him while he was in office because he was a failure.
Obama is not God. The office should be respected but that does not mean we do not have the right to question any politicians actions. Democrats crucified George Bush. They called him names, even Carter went after him while Bush was in office. What Obama got from Wilson he deserved. Democrats are using the race card to make up for the failures of Obama. They are trying to take the focus off of the real problem, the fact that Obama can not lead this country. The numbers are showing this.
Record numbers voted Obama in office so don’t give me the crap that whites are racist. What is happening is that they are seeing Obama in a different light. They are seeing that he is NOT what he made himself out to be. He did what he had to do to get elected.
How pathetic Paul that you are trying to blame right wing radio. Did you also criticize Michael Moores internet groups, or left-wing radio, television stations…….radical left wing newspapers when Bush was in office?
Obamas true colors are finally coming out (and its not white)….Wright, Ayers, Rezko, Dorhn have finally caught up with him.
Henrietta……..maybe its time people stood up against evil. Ya know there is an unwritten rule about a past president criticizing a president who is in office. Carter and Clinton went after Bush and disrespected the office by doing it. They did not care. The kicked him to the curb. So don’t give me the cry baby tears for Obama. He gets what he deserves.
So Joe Wilson is racist? There could be a case made that Obama is also racist. His comments in the Gates fiasco show his true feelings about white police. Of course he half way apologized for his hasty behavior but he had to do that to keep peace.
The fact is that millions of whites who are not racists voted for Obama believing him to be non racist.

“The thing that causes Americans to dislike and not trust or respect President Obama is his Fascist, Marxist style of politics”
You can’t be fascist AND Marxist, people. Fascists and Marxists hate each other with a passion. Anyone remember World War II? Either Obama is the second coming of Hitler or he’s the second coming of Stalin. You can’t have it both ways, conservatives.

Jimmy Carter is one of the greatest, wisest Americans alive. He knows what he is talking about. Racism is a factor in the current campaign of hate-mongering. All the screams of denial by the most hateful only seem to confirm that Carter is right.

Jimmy Carter is one of the greatest, wisest Americans alive. He knows what he is talking about. Racism is a factor in the current campaign of hate-mongering. All the screams of denial by the most hateful only seem to confirm that Carter is right”
He is a traitor to our country and more a friend to our enemies. He sides with them against us.
I remember when he said the war was not necessary, which was a slap in the face to those serving in our armed forces. He also said he was ashamed to be an American, which shows that he is a traitor.
He was the worst president we ever had and today he does everything he can to undermine whatever administration is in the White House.

I attended the tea party march on Washington last Saturday the 12th of September and did not see any racism exhibited among the thousands of signs I saw. I did not hear any racist comments. I did hear several African Americans speak from the podium and receive the same applause as any other speaker. In fact, I saw people of various races in the crowd and heard at least a half dozen different languages being spoken.
Opposing the health care proposal, cap and trade, any other issue or even Obama is not racism. After a while this kind of talk will cease being effective. Funny how the town meeting protesters are called racists, xenophobes, fear mongers, but those labeling everyone racists, and everything else are not accused of interfering with peaceful, intelligent discussion of issues.
Let’s have some fairness here. Unless that doesn’t serve your particular philosophy.

Jimmy Carter is one of the finest examples of real Christian service and compassion. He has devoted himself to overcoming fear and hate around the world. Rather than labeling other people as evil, he has worked to enable real dialogue, whether it is in Africa, the Middle East, or the USA. When he criticizes cruelty and hate, he does it with respect for everyone concerned.
I notice that one of the signs in a recent protest read “Obama bin Liar.” Is this not layer upon layer of hate mongering? Of course prejudiced people never say they are prejudiced. They always say, “I’m not prejudiced or anything. It’s just that those other people are evil and contemptible.”

I supported Pres Carter when he began Habitat for Humanity, I thought he was the example of a truly good man. I have to disagree with his racist statement. He comes from a time where Jews were hated and a man was judged by the color of his skin. I was born of another time, where ones skin had nothing to do with ones character. The only racism I see, it President Carters version of what might be his subjective truth. How can he say racism is the reason people arent in support of the PResident, when racism never played a part in his election.

In an ironic way isn’t Jimmy Carter actually being racist with his comments?
He is saying that policy debate is actually hatred and racism, but only when the president is black. So in effect what Jimmy Carter is saying is this – a black president cannot engage in polictal debate because the second there is a policy difference its racist and motivated not by genuine political difference but by skin color. So in a rather amusing twist its actually Jimmy carter who is racist not the tea party people!

I guess a lot of people are taking Carter’s comments in the most extreme way possible — as an accusation that the only reason for opposition to Democratic party policies is racism, and that all who are critical are racists. But I believe Carter meant that some of the more hateful statements are motivated at least partly by racism. And is there no truth in that?
I respect people who can listen to criticism and consider if it has some truth. Of course there are many liberals and conservatives who reject that, and respond to any criticism with a self-righteousness that denies all wrongdoing, and insists that all the blame belongs to other people.

Carter a Christian?
“This was an issue that I had to face when I was campaigning 25 years ago. I have always been against abortion; it’s not possible for me in my own concept of Christ to believe that Jesus would favor abortion. But at the same time, I have supported the Supreme Court ruling of our country as the law of the land. And the present arrangement, whereby a woman is authorized to have an abortion in the first trimester of the pregnancy, or when the pregnancy is caused by rape or incest — these are the things that moderates who have beliefs like mine can accept as the present circumstances in our country. The liberality of abortion is anointed by the laws of our country, including the ultimate ruling of the Supreme Court. ”
Jimmy Carter
He puts Americas laws above Gods. He is a lukewarm Christian at best and does not have the guts to stand up against it especially to those in his own party.

I have a feeling that if Carter called the sky blue, someone would say he didn’t know what he was talking about.
It would be incredibly naive to suggest that there isn’t a trace of racism in the anti-Obama sentiment that’s existed even before the primaries. That being said, I’m aware there’s plenty of other arguments. Like that he’s a Nazi, or a Communist (or somehow both at the same time), or lying about his nationality, or that’s he got a funny name, or that his dad was a Muslim-turned atheist who wasn’t around much, or that he’s popular. Cause heaven forbid the president be popular.
Pablo: “He is saying that policy debate is actually hatred and racism, but only when the president is black. So in effect what Jimmy Carter is saying is this – a black president cannot engage in polictal debate because the second there is a policy difference its racist and motivated not by genuine political difference but by skin color. So in a rather amusing twist its actually Jimmy carter who is racist not the tea party people!”
So Carter is racist for believing that some people are racist? Wow…I guess next we’ll be hearing that war is peace and freedom is slavery.
churchmouse: “He puts Americas laws above Gods.”
And what’s wrong with putting America first all of the sudden?

Mordred08 – its irony. The sum of what Carter is saying is that a white citizen of america cannot engage in a policy debate with a black president. The issue is race. He is saying a black president presides by different rules to a white one – starting to get the irony of what he said?? good!
Brian Griffith did you even read what he said?? he said: “I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man”
its not some of the criticism its an overwhelming portion. When you bring race in to a debate one needs to ask who has the problem? Jimmy Carter is a bitter former President who did a really bad job of being president but for some reason just hangs about like a bad smell. If the man had any shred of dignity left he would fade off the public stage. Sadly these comments rob him of even the final fig leaf of dignity he had

“I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man”
Okay, to me this line of Carter’s leaves out people who simply disagree over policy. I think Carter is talking about people who publicize an intense personal hatred for Obama as an individual.

to me it seems your clutching at straws Brian!!
as proved by Obama himself. The title of this post is “Jimmy Carter calls it Racism” I see that Barack Obama calls it a policy debate! just shows how far out of touch Carter is. As I said calling it racism does Obama no favors at all as Obama’s words state. Let’s hear from the President:
“Race is not the overriding issue” goes to show the current President has a bit more about him than a bitter ex-president. The tone of Obama’s interviews of the last few days has been totally dismissive of Jimmy Carter and rightly so. As I said before Carter’s views taken to their logical conclusion, make it impossible for Obama to engage effectively in a policy debate. Well done Obama, shame on Carter

“it seems your clutching at straws Brian!!”
What straw? As a Canadian I have nothing to gain or defend in this argument. Besides, we already have basic health care for everybody, so if Americans don’t want that it’s no problem for us. It’s just that it takes willful denial to reject what Paul reasonably pointed out:
“after seeing the sea of angry white faces holding signs with Obama as an African Witch Doctor, and other signs commenting about his Muslim heritage, I have to agree with President Carter that there is an element of racism and xenophobia within the current opposition to our President.”

Brian, interesting that Obama is man enough to reject Carter’s crass words, sadly this blog has not as much class as the man in the Oval office or the president who used to sit in the office. But that is what we expect from “progressives”

Obama said the issues of policy are far more important than race, as Carter would agree. Obama admitted that some of his supporters voted for him largely because of his race, while some of his opponents opposed him partly on racial grounds. But of course he avoided generalizing that either his supporters or opponents were mainly racists. Carter didn’t do that either. He criticized the contemptuous language of a vocal minority. I’d question the motives of those who attack Carter, and who defend people waving pictures of Obama as an African witch doctor and shouting “Obama bin Liar”. Those are the people trying to play the race card.

“ As a Canadian I have nothing to gain or defend in this argument. Besides, we already have basic health care for everybody, so if Americans don’t want that it’s no problem for us. It’s just that it takes willful denial to reject what Paul reasonably pointed out:”
And we can see what a failure socialized medicine really is by Canadas example. That’s why people are in an uproar because they do not want your system.
“”after seeing the sea of angry white faces holding signs with Obama as an African Witch Doctor, and other signs commenting about his Muslim heritage, I have to agree with President Carter that there is an element of racism and xenophobia within the current opposition to our President.”“
The angry white faces are not angry because Obama is black. There are blacks also standing in protest because of his policies and lies. He was elected only because he was black and people just now are seeing that the lack of experience and his values are not aligned with American ideals. The hatred for Bush and the fact that Obama was black got him elected.
Question Brian……Were all the blacks that were vocally against Bush racist?

These all-or-nothing arguments are silly. This isn’t about proving that ALL White Republicans or ALL Black Democrats are racists, or that NONE of them are. I’d think we’d criticize racism of any kind — from Blacks, Whites, Arab Muslims, or anyone. Just because most critics of Obama are not racists doesn’t mean that none are. And if we reject all criticism toward the few who are racist, doesn’t that serve to defend the racist minority?
Also, I’m curious. What do you think failed about the government supported basic health care offered by all industrialized nations except the USA?

That’s right Pablo! I didn’t listen to American news over the weekend. I was responding to what you and churchmouse said. And ya’ll can come to Canada anytime and try to convince us that we should pay for all medical care like the Americans.
The Canadian system is a mix of private business and government support. Only basic things are covered for everybody. For everything “extra”, including most drugs, dental care, and lots of other “optional” things, you gotta pay yourself or through private insurance. So there’s still plenty of demand for the insurance business. Oh yeah, and the government does NOT cover abortion costs, or the costs of illegal immigrants.
We have constant debate on what medical services should be covered, or not, and how much money to put into the public health budget. But the country tends to argue over what service can be offered to every citizen. If Americans decide that’s a dumb goal, I don’t suppose it’ll hurt our feelings too bad.

“Who goes to Canada for any medical treatment?”
Canadian provinces have an ongoing problem with Americans forging Canadian health cards so they can get free or cheaper service. And my relatives in Texas know lots of people who go to Mexico for affordable treatment.
I guess you’ve been told government subsidized health care is crap. I hear we have line ups for some kinds of care, though I haven’t experienced that myself. In Canada we hear a fair number of horror stories of Americans who are denied care by insurance companies, or who lose their life savings to medical bills. One bottom line is this: the average Canadian life expectancy is several years longer than the average American’s.

Well Pablo, I’d advise you go and pay over the border in the USA. But the Conservative party here, like all the other parties, supports public health care. Why? Maybe they know how bad they’d lose the next election if they came out against it.

i am in strong (VERY STRONG) oppostition to our current president and his leftist agenda. however, it has NOTHING to do with race. i don’t EVER want to be called racist again. it is crap. i can’t stand these false accusations. please stop, jerk.
yes there is racism (and it is sad, horrible, and SHOULD NOT happen) but why are we so quick to jump to conclusions taht just because a white man does not agree with a man of color…it must be that they are racist? ohh puuu-lease. it is extremely pathetic. you are a sick, mislead, angry man obiviously if you can’t see past your own drone-like, idiotic, ridiculous ideaology to see that it isn’t that he is half black that we take a stand against him, it is because we do not agree with him. i am so incredibly infuriated right now. this has got to STOP.

Well far right, since we both deplore racism, it seems to me we can agree to condemn it. For example, I have a number of Muslim friends who are highly critical of prejudiced statements by fellow Muslims. They could just insist that not all Muslims are prejudiced. But I think they demonstrate their own lack of prejudice more clearly by criticizing prejudice even when, or especially when, it appears in their own community.

I await the blog post
“Jimmy Carter changes his mind and realises how silly he has been…..its not racism after all!”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV5ZN6Ishw8&feature=player_embedded#
Just because old Jimmy seems to be losing it and forgot what he said –
selective amnesia is great! Click on the link in the post to see what He said and then compare it to what he now says above!!
well done Jimmy for being big enough to retract your comments now that you realise how silly you had been – takes a big man to do that!
Now next blog post Paul
“IOC is racist because they didn’t give The Leader his way and give him his Olympics!”

It’s one thing to oppose “guilt by association,” as in “your neighbor is a racist, so you must be one too.” It’s another thing to defend the individuals who really are racist. Many of the statements made at these rallies, some of which Paul quotes, are racist hate-mongering. If you defend these statements, you are defending racism.

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Diana Butler Bass and Paul Raushenbush both stand firmly within the Mainline Protestant tradition and, along with guest bloggers of all religious backgrounds are dedicated to the revival of religious progressivism and its influence in American politics.